Texas Rangers Update Nathan Eovaldi Rehab Progress

The Rangers are not expected to have back Nathan Eovaldi for their midweek series against the New York Mets.

While the Texas Rangers expect to see right-hander Nathan Eovaldi retake the mound in 2023, it likely won't come until after rosters expand on Sept. 1. 

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters Sunday prior to the extra-inning loss at the Minnesota Twins that Eovaldi was feeling tightness in his side after his latest bullpen session. 

“There’s a little tightness, that’s all,” Bochy said. “We’re just backing off a little bit so this doesn’t get worse.”

Bochy mentioned that there's nothing wrong with Eovaldi's arm, but the team would be cautious moving forward with his return date entering their three-game series with the New York Mets. Eovaldi is set to have another bullpen throwing session before Tuesday's game at Citi Field. 

After that, management will decide if he's cleared to begin a rehab assignment or be promoted to the active roster for the weekend series at Globe Life Field against the Twins. 

After losing prize free-agent acquisition and former Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom to Tommy John Surgery, Eovaldi stepped up as the Rangers' new ace. He dominated opponents with his four-pitch arsenal, helping him garner his first All-Star bid since 2021. 

Eovaldi, who's 11-3 with a 2.69 ERA, has not pitched since July 18 with a forearm strain. He was placed on the 15-day IL on July 30 after the team opted to skip his start against the AL West rival Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Eovaldi, 33, has thrown at least three bullpens since being placed on the IL, including one in Arlington. Last week at Chase Field, prior to facing the Arizona Diamondbacks, he also threw a live BP session for two innings against several Rangers. 

The Rangers (73-57) are tied with the Astros for second place in the division after losing nine of their last 10 matchups, and remain a game back of the Seattle Mariners entering Monday. 

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